THE ELECTRICITY SAFETY, QUALITY AND CONTINUITY REGULATIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) 2012

General requirements for connection with earth

8.—(1) A generator or distributor shall ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, their network does not become disconnected from earth in the event of any foreseeable current due to a fault.

(2) A generator or distributor shall, in respect of any high voltage network which they own or operate, ensure that—

(a) the network is connected with earth at, or as near as is reasonably practicable to, the source of voltage but where there is more than one source of voltage in that network, the connection with earth need only be made at one point;

(b) the earth electrodes are designed, installed and used in such a manner so as to prevent danger occurring in any low voltage network as a result of any fault in the high voltage network; and

(c) where the network is connected with earth through a continuously rated arc suppression coil, an automatic warning is given to the generator or distributor of any fault which causes the arc suppression coil to operate.

(3) A generator or distributor shall, in respect of any low voltage network which they own or operate, ensure that—

(a) the outer conductor of any electric line which has concentric conductors is connected with earth;

(b) every supply neutral conductor is connected with earth at, or as near as is reasonably practicable to, the source of voltage except that where there is only one point in a network at which consumer’s installations are connected to a single source of voltage, that connection may be made at that point, or at another point nearer to the source of voltage; and

(c) no impedance is inserted in any connection with earth of a low voltage network other than that required for the operation of switching devices or of instruments or equipment for control, telemetry or metering.

(4) A consumer shall not combine the neutral and protective functions in a single conductor in their consumer’s installation.

(5) Paragraphs (1) to (3) shall not apply to a network which is situated within a generating station if, and only if, adequate alternative arrangements are in place to prevent danger.